Review Summary: Ice-T's peak
O.G. Original Gangster, Ice-T's 4th album, is probably Ice's last great album. Ice's best album as well, Ice continued his streak of classic albums that he started with Power, as he gradually improved with each album. Ice reached his peak on here, as his lyrics and beat selection were the best they had ever been. Ice was a pioneering force for the west coast, especially in the 80s, as he was one of the first gangsta rap artists.
Lyrically this album is more of the same of what we got with his previous albums, just with a slight improvement with flow and lyrical ability. Same goes with production, as it's pretty similar to what Ice gave us with his prior albums. Still simplistic but great, and a slight improvement, still handled by Afrika Islam. One of the highlights on this album is "New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)", which is one of Ice's best tracks. Ice just spits some braggadocio raps here, as he does on most of the album, with a crisp flow.
O.G. Original Gangster, is a classic album, and the best in Ice-T's catalog. With an even more refined flow, even further improved production, and improved technical ability, this is Ice's peak. If you're a fan of political hip hop (specifically from the west coast), you'll enjoy this album.
Ratings:
1. Home of the Bodybag (Interlude)
2. First Impression (Interlude)
3. Ziplock: 4.5/5
4. Mic Contract (feat. Donald D): 5/5
5. Mind Over Matter: 5/5
6. New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme) (feat. DJ Aladdin): 5/5
7. Ed: 4.5/5
8. Bitches 2: 4/5
9. Straight Up Nigga (feat. DJ Aladdin): 5/5
10. O.G. Original Gangster (feat. G(cubed)): 5/5
11. The House: 4.5/5
12. Evil E-What About Sex? (feat. Donald D) (Interlude)
13. Fly By (feat. Nat the Cat and Donald D): 5/5
14. Midnight (feat. Randy Mac): 4.5/5
15. Fried Chicken (feat. Prince Whipper and Whip): 4/5
16. M.V.P.S.: 5/5
17. Lifestyles of the Rich and Infamous (feat. Sean E Mac): 5/5
18. Body Count (feat. Body Count): 4/5
19. Prepared to Die (Interlude)
20. Escape From the Killing Fields: 5/5
21. Street Killer (feat. Special K) (Interlude)
22. Pulse of the Rhyme: 5/5
23. The Tower: 5/5
24. Ya Shoulda Killed Me Last Year (Outro)
Best songs:
New Jack Hustler (Nino's Theme)
Lifestyles of the Rich and Infamous
Escape From the Killing Fields
Mind Over Matter
Mic Contract
Weakest song: Body Count
Production: 9.6/10
Lyrics: 9.5/10
Overall rating: 95/100
Grade: A
